apprentice roles

Not only will you gain a professional qualification that’s recognised in the civilian world, you’ll also have a guaranteed job in your chosen field once you’ve completed it.

You’ll receive the very best training and as well as getting paid to learn, you’ll get the chance to travel the world, play sport and perform an important role in the RAF as well as dedicated on base medical and dental care.

RAF APPRENTICESHIPS

We currently have 24 roles to choose from that come with RAF apprenticeships rated Outstanding by Ofsted. They are available in a broad and diverse range of careers including aviation operations, engineering, hospitality & catering and IT.

HOW TO APPLY

To gain an apprenticeship in the RAF you still need to meet all of the entry requirements for whichever role it is for and get through all stages of the application process. You will gain the apprenticeship as part of your phase two training, in total the process of gaining your apprenticeship can last 1 year to 3 years of training.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU EARN

The range of qualifications you can earn in the RAF range from a level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), a level 3 (equivalent to 2 ‘A’ levels) all the way through to a level 7, which is equivalent to a Masters degree.

AWARD WINNING EDUCATION

Nationally recognised as the UK’s top major apprenticeship employer - Macro Employer of the Year in the 2017 National Apprenticeship Awards and Ofsted Outstanding Training Provider.

LIFE AS AN RAF APPRENTICE

SHAYNE - SENIOR AIRCRAFTMAN (TECHNICIAN)

I began my apprenticeship with the RAF and completed a Level 3 NVQ in Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical Component Overhaul). It was an advanced level apprenticeship in engineering. My experience as an apprentice was great. I got to complete it in the transmission bay of the Puma Depth Support Hub at RAF Benson. This meant I was able to work with advanced pieces of equipment, down to an in-depth level that few aircraft engineers get to see.

Early on in my career I was named as the RAF’s Apprentice of the Year while working as an Aircraft Technician. Later I achieved a bronze medal at the national final held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and spent two years training hard to become one of the best aircraft engineers in the UK. My hard work paid off in May this year when I was selected as the sole competitor to represent the UK in my trade at the WorldSkills competition.

In Sao Paulo there were 60 countries competing in 50 different skills. In the aircraft engineering competition there were 15 countries competing. The competition involved 7 different tasks, each one testing all of the skills used by an aircraft engineer. This ranged from daily inspections on the servicing of an aircraft – to engine boroscoping, which is checking the engine hot end using an optical device consisting of a rigid or flexible tube with an eyepiece.

I couldn’t have achieved what I have in the past year without the RAF. Getting to Brazil meant that I was able to compete in my trade at the highest level possible, while also raising the profile of what I do and demonstrating what my apprenticeship has taught me.

COULD THIS BE YOU?

There are plenty of Apprenticeships to choose from in the RAF. The right one for you will depend on your passion and skills. Discover some of our featured roles below.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

APPRENTICESHIP FAQS

HOW DO I APPLY?

You can apply through our website as you would for any role. You’ll then be invited to undergo aptitude tests, medical, fitness tests and an interview before being selected to join the RAF and begin your training. Your apprenticeship goes to form part of your secondary (role) training.

WHAT MAKES ME ELIGIBLE FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?

You must reach the age requirements for each apprenticeship, most of which are between 16-30 but please check individual roles, you must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth and have lived in the UK for at least five years. You also need to pass all relevant entry fitness tests. Please see your individual role for more information on entry age.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?

You need to meet the entry requirements for whichever role your chosen apprenticeship requires. These are listed on each role. If you do not hold these qualifications there may still be opportunities for you if you show the appropriate potential in the selection tests.

WHAT WILL I EARN?

From day one pay is £14,931 for an apprentice in the RAF.

ARE RAF PART OF THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME (NAS)?

Yes, We're also audited by Ofsted and all RAF delivered apprenticeships are rated outstanding.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF AN APPRENTICESHIP?

The training is predominantly practical and you receive a civilian recognised qualification for your training.

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I was able to work with advanced pieces of equipment, down to an in-depth level that few Aircraft Engineers get to see.